When it comes to getaways from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas in Bali, you can’t go wrong with a trip across to nearby Nusa Lembongan. Not only is it a beautiful island with plenty to do, but you don’t need to stay there for a week to be able to see and do everything that this tropical paradise has to offer.
Here are seven reasons that Nusa Lembongan is the perfect alternative to Bali.
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Table of Contents
- It’s so close
- The Yellow Bridge
- Two for the price of one
- Mahana Point
- Hidden beaches and views
- Peace and Quiet
- The Sea Life
- Special Bonus!
- Where to Stay
- Helpful Links
It’s so close
Lembongan is only a short boat ride from Bali. In fact, from the beach at Sanur the trip is only about 30 minutes via Fast Boat. These boats depart at all times of the day and are the most convenient way across to the island.
There are also multiple companies that offer the Fast Boat service. Prices are competitive, and it doesn’t really matter who you choose. Sites such as Gili Tickets offer services from all different companies, so it’s a simple matter of just logging on and choosing one. They will pick you up and drop you back to your hotel in any of the major tourist areas in Bali, so hassle free is the name of the game!
There is also the choice of the slower Bali Ferry which takes about 90 minutes to traverse the passage, just in case taking your time is more your style. The most common way, easiest, fastest and most reliable is the Fast Boats.
The Yellow Bridge
The famous Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to the slightly smaller island of Nusa Ciningan. It’s called the “Yellow Bridge” simply because of it’s distinctive bright yellow paint, and is only wide enough for the passage of scooters and pedestrians.
In October 2016 the original Yellow Bridge collapsed during a Hindu ceremony. It was a tragic day for the local community, with 8 deaths and 42 injuries as a result.
The bridge has since been rebuilt in the same spot and even though it is now slightly larger and a lot sturdier than it’s former incarnation, the bridge maintains it’s distinctive look and character.
Two for the price of one
Due to the Yellow Bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ciningan, visitors to the island get two islands for the price of one. This may not seem very exciting to some, but the truth is that Nusa Ciningan is the lesser known, but certainly under rated of the two.
One fact about the Yellow Bridge is that it only allows access to Nusa Ciningan via foot or scooter. The original bridge was even narrower and only allowed for one scooter at at time to make the crossing due to the lack of room to pass. This has meant that Nusa Ciningan remains smaller not just in size but also in development. Resorts are smaller and cafes are more quaint with even less customers than the already relatively quiet Lembongan.
For a quiet day out, venture across the bridge and check out a beautiful little island with many hidden treasures just awaiting discovery.
Mahana Point
When I first ventured to Lembongan I had no idea what to expect. Sure, I knew the beaches were going to be beautiful. I had heard about the crystal clear water and amazing snorkeling. What I didn’t know about, and wasn’t really prepared for was the “wow” factor that a simple place like Mahana Point invokes.
The point is located on Nusa Ciningan and is relatively easy to find these days. Not too many years ago it was easy to take a few wrong turns, but as it’s popularity has evolved, the signage has increased making it more accessible.
Nusa Ciningan really only has a couple of roads, one of which pretty much leads you right to Mahana Point, ending at a small carpark outside a cafe perched right on top of a cliff. The alfresco eating area offers views right down the coastline, across Lembongan and on a clear day all the way back to Bali.
What makes Mahana Point unique, however, is that the cliff you are sitting on falls directly into the ocean, at the base of which is one of the islands most popular surf breaks.
Grab a seat in the cafe and watch as surfers walk to the cliff edge, step out onto a jumping off point and launch themselves and their surf boards out into the void, dropping into the ocean behind the break in perfect position for the paddle in.
Not bad entertainment for a casual lunch, I have to say!
Hidden beaches and views
For such a small place, it’s amazing what you might find hidden around the next bend. If you have hired a scooter, get ready for an adventure!
Nusa Lembongan has several beaches that are extremely popular, and one blowhole that is worth visiting if the swell is rolling in. Most of these places can get fairly busy, especially with tourists on day trips who are being shown around the island in the back of small pick up trucks.
Once again, though, these vehicles have no access to Nusa Ceningan. Hire yourself a scooter and get across the bridge. Follow the road in any direction, and if you see something out the ordinary, check it out. I found one absolutely amazing beach that was virtually deserted, and one of the best cliff top panoramic photo opportunities just because I was willing to explore off the beaten path!
Peace and Quiet
For those that have had enough of the hustle and bustle of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is the best place for a quick getaway. Sure, it’s not as quiet as the Gili islands, but for somewhere so close it’s certainly worth the trip.
The main road through Lembongan is just that, a single road. There are no markets or shop keepers hassling you as you walk around. There’s no crowd, traffic or noise. It’s simply quiet.
The village atmosphere is everywhere on Lembongan and the locals embrace the tourists with their laid back and casual style. Relax in a bean bag at the beach sipping on a cocktail, or have dinner in an open air restaurant that would be 5 stars at home, but here you will be right at home wearing your beach clothes.
On my first visit to Lembongan my partner and I found ourselves a beautiful quiet little restaurant, walked in, sat at a table and began perusing the menu. The shop owner next door took off all of a sudden on his scooter, and a few minutes later two ladies arrived outside and ran through to the kitchen. As it turned out, the island is so quiet that they were not even present in the restaurant when we sat down. They took our orders and the food arrived in record time. We still rate it was one of the best green curries we have ever eaten!
On another occasion I rented a scooter off a man down by the beach. I saw him the next day riding his daughters bright pink scooter, and when I asked him about it he explained that the scooter he had rented me was his personal scooter and the only one he owned.
That’s just how they roll at Lembongan.
The Sea Life
One thing that Lembongan is famous for is it’s abundance of sea life. Day trippers arrive by the boat load to enjoy the world class snorkeling and scuba diving that the region offers. Companies such as Bali Hai run their own boats out to the island, have their own resort in Mushroom Bay, and their own water sport pontoon out in the bay itself.
The region is littered with world famous surf breaks with surfers travelling from all over the world to test them out. Surf schools abound along the main beach area, so if you want to try it out, give it a go.
When it comes to water sports all of the usual suspects are covered. You can ride a banana boat, parasail or scuba dive to your hearts content. What really makes the region popular though, is the chance to dive with the Manta Rays.
Be wary, however, as the currents can be fickle and very strong around the islands. Many an experienced diver has gone missing, so make certain to dive with others and better still, take a local along with you.
Special Bonus!
Check out our guide to the Nusa Lembongan Cliff Walk. This encompasses the amazing Devil’s Tears and begins at Dream Beach, continuing all the way to Mushroom Bay!
Where to Stay
Set on beautiful Mushroom Bay, this resort has a selection of fantastic huts, pool and plenty of activity to keep even the most active happy. This was the first place we stayed on Lembongan and we didn’t regret it. A nice bonus is that Hai Tide run many of the most popular tours as well.
Set on one of the most iconic and popular beaches on the island, this is another place with beautiful huts. Adorned with a gorgeous infinity pool, you hardly have to leave your resort to see some of the best of the island. Devils tears is just a short walk away.
Mahagiri Resort almost exclusively own its own corner of the island. Set on the northern tip, it features a fantastic pool and a stretch of sand that you could get lost on. Snorkeling and surfing spots are only a short stroll away. Definitely worth a look if you are interested in a bit more luxury!
Helpful Links
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